Key Interview Mistakes To Avoid
Business English
Intermediate
In this ESL business lesson on interviews you and your ESL students will explore essential vocabulary and tips related to job interviews. Enjoy a video-based lesson with multiple interactive and conversation-based exercises.
Pre-Lesson Work.
Instructions:
Download and send the pre-lesson work to your students for class preparation.
Warm Up.
Activity Instructions
Discuss what you see in each picture, and answer each question.
Activity Aim
Introduce the topic through an engaging exercise.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
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Do you like to have interviews in-person?
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Discuss the pros and cons of video interviews.
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In your industry, is it common to give a presentation at one of the interview stages?
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How do you feel about group interviews, where multiple candidates are interviewed at the same time?
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In your industry, is it common to take a test at one of the interview stages? How do you feel about the idea of taking a test?
Video.
Activity Instructions
Watch the video before or during the class.
Activity Aim
Explore ten key interview mistakes to avoid during interviews through an awesome video.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
Vocabulary.
Activity Instructions
Match the definitions to the correct words.
Activity Aim
Ensure students understand the key words that are used in the video and will be used in the class.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
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True or False.
Activity Instructions
Decide if the following statements are true or false.
Activity Aim
Ensure students understand the ideas and concepts presented in the video.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
Arriving 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled interview time is recommended.
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True.
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Knowing about the company and being prepared for the interview is essential.
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True.
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Dressing inappropriately has no impact on the hiring manager's decision in the first five minutes of the interview.
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False.
Dressing inappropriately has an impact on the hiring manager's decision in the first five minutes of the interview.
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Maintaining eye contact during an interview is not important and can be perceived as uncomfortable.
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False.
Maintaining eye contact during an interview is important and helps build trust.
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Good communication skills are necessary during an interview.
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True.
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It is acceptable to bad-mouth previous employers if you had a negative experience with them.
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False.
It is not acceptable to bad-mouth previous employers.
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Confidence is important, but being overconfident can come across as arrogance.
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True.
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Rehearsed and stiff answers are preferable during an interview.
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False.
Answers should be well-prepared, but sounding rehearsed and stiff is not preferable during an interview.
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Forgetting the interviewer's name can have a negative impact on the job interview.
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True.
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Failing to ask any questions at the end of the interview won't affect your chances of getting the job.
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False.
Failing to ask any questions at the end of the interview can negatively affect your chances of getting the job.
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Video Quotes.
Activity Instructions
Complete the quotes by choosing the correct words.
Activity Aim
Improve reading and comprehension skills, and expand vocabulary.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
Discussion.
Activity Instructions
Discuss the following questions as a class.
Activity Aim
Learn through speaking and making errors. Have fun!
Activity Time
25 minutes.
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How do you usually feel before, during, and after a job interview?
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What aspects of the interview process do you find challenging?
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How have past interview experiences improved your approach to future interviews?
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Why does arriving late leave a bad taste in the employer’s mouth?
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What can you do to ensure you don’t arrive late to an interview?
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What should you prepare before an interview?
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What information do you have at your fingertips that can help you prepare fully for an interview?
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What do you usually wear for job interviews? How do you think the way you dress can influence people's opinions about you?
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Why is it important to make eye contact during a job interview?
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What tips would you give to someone to communicate well in an interview? Consider the issues of interrupting the interviewer, or rambling on.
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Why does the video advise against badmouthing previous employers?
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What is the difference between being confident and overconfident? Why do you think the video advises against being a know-it-all?
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When you prepare for something, do you rehearse your answers a lot? Is it possible to be well prepared without giving stiff answers?
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Do you agree that forgetting a hiring manager's name could negatively impact the outcome of the interview? How could cue cards help you remember key information?
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What types of questions should you ask at the end of a job interview to show your interest in the position and company?
Debate.
Activity Instructions
State if you agree or disagree with each statement, explaining why. Use the language from the pre-lesson work PDF.
Activity Aim
Improve speaking skills, critical thinking, and persuasive communication.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
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I think that companies should review the social media profiles of candidates to get an insight into their personalities and to see if they are right for the company.
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In my view, hiring managers should prioritise hiring people with university degrees to ensure they have a good level of knowledge.
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I firmly believe that hiring managers should not ask about a person’s future family plans or personal life because it leads to discrimination.
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From my perspective, I don’t think it's right to ask about how much money someone has earned before. Companies should pay a person the same as others who do the same job.
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I believe that companies should pay all candidates who interview for a job at their company because it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare, and many people have to take time off from their current role.
Hypothetical.
Activity Instructions
Read each situation, then decide what you would do. Use the tips and language from the lesson when possible.
Activity Aim
Improve language skills through discussing each situation and hypothetical thinking.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
Game.
Activity Instructions
Study the pictures and answer the questions.
Activity Aim
End the class with a fun speaking and vocabulary activity, encourage students to use the tips and words from the lesson.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
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What do you see in the picture?
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A handshake.
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What do you see in the picture?
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A name badge.
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What is a resume called in British English?
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A CV.
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What is she wearing on her head?
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A headset.
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What would you call the area where the people are sitting?
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A waiting area / A waiting room.
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What do you think the man is doing at reception before his interview?
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Signing in.
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Homework.
Instructions:
Download the homework PDF and send to the student.
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